According to recent data from the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), the most common STDs in India include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS.
Dr Aashita Jain, Consultant and Director, Birla Fertility & IVF Centre, Surat, shares her perspective on whether the rise in STDs is contributing to infertility in India or not.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 1 million people worldwide contract STDs. In India, around 6% of the adult population is infected with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) every year.
According to recent data from the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), the most common STDs in India include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS. Recently, experts have pointed out the increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the country.
Furthermore, experts have also highlighted the link between this increase in STDs and the increase in infertility in the country.
Understanding STDs and their prevalence in India
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are the source of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They are mainly transmitted through sexual contact. Viruses, bacteria or parasites are the causes of STIs. A sexually transmitted infection can be transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, or the vagina. STDs are a major health problem in the country, with the most common infections being chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV. According to the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), millions of new cases of STDs are reported annually in India, highlighting the need to create more awareness on the issue.
Link between STDs and infertility
Both male and female reproductive health can be compromised by untreated sexually transmitted diseases, leading to infertility. In addition to causing problems with reproduction, STDs can also make conception difficult. If an underlying STD is found and treated early, this problem can be addressed. Consequently, the importance of STD screening to preserve reproductive health has increased.
STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea are known to cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. PID is a serious infection of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It can cause scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from traveling to the uterus to be fertilized. STDs can also have a profound impact on male fertility. Infections can cause epididymitis, an inflammation of the ducts that carry sperm. This can cause blockages or affect sperm quality, leading to reduced fertility. Additionally, STDs can cause inflammation and damage to the prostate and testicles, further affecting sperm production and function.
In general, the inflammatory response triggered by STDs in both women and men can lead to structural changes, scarring, and impaired reproductive function, ultimately affecting fertility.
Factors contributing to the rise in STDs in India
- Inadequate awareness: Many people lack awareness about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), how they spread, and what happens when they do. Open dialogue and education about sexual health is often hindered by taboos and cultural stigmas surrounding the topic.
- Insufficient sexual health services: Early detection and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases is hampered by limited access to health care, especially in rural areas. Additionally, there are often not enough STD tests or treatment options available.
- Unsafe sexual practices: There is a comparatively low prevalence of contraceptives, particularly condom use, in India, which increases the risk of STD transmission.
- Factors such as limited access to contraceptives, poverty, and gender inequality also exacerbate the spread of STDs.
Prevention and treatment
- Education and awareness: To increase public awareness of safe sex practices, STD prevention, and the value of early diagnosis and treatment, comprehensive programs should be implemented.
- Improve access to healthcare: It is important to increase the availability of sexual health services, such as STD testing and treatment, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The long-term effects of STDs can be reduced and rapid intervention can be ensured with the help of accessible and affordable healthcare.
- Promoting safe sexual practices: Using condoms and other preventive measures can help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. The public health initiative should focus on normalizing condom use.
- Encourage regular testing: Regular testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) helps in early detection and treatment of infections and prevents consequences such as infertility.
Overall, comprehensive sexuality education is a critical tool to promote sexual and reproductive health, challenge cultural taboos and stigmas, and empower people to make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships. By integrating sexuality education into school curricula and community programs, India can work to create a more inclusive environment conducive to sexual health and well-being.
